Oh my gosh, you have GOT to try these Dubai Chocolate Strawberries! I first discovered them at a little café in Dubai last year, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. They’re this perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey, like if a strawberry decided to dress up in its fanciest dessert outfit.
The magic comes from layering fresh strawberries with crispy kataifi dough (it’s like shredded phyllo), rich pistachio butter, and melted chocolate. Trust me, when you serve these in clear cups, they look almost too pretty to eat… almost. I’m warning you now, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
These Dubai Chocolate Strawberries are just as indulgent as our matcha covered strawberries, but with a richer, gold-dusted flair perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Dubai Chocolate Strawberries
Seriously, what’s not to love? These beauties are:
- Easier than they look – Just layer, drizzle, and devour. No fancy skills needed!
- A flavor explosion – Sweet strawberries, nutty pistachio, crispy kataifi, and silky chocolate? Yes please.
- Total showstoppers – The clear cups let everyone see those gorgeous layers. Instagram gold!
- Perfect for any occasion – Date night, girls’ night, or just treating yourself on a Tuesday.
Honestly, I make these when I want to feel fancy without actually putting in fancy effort. You’re gonna adore them!
Ingredients for Dubai Chocolate Strawberries
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these beauties, no guesswork involved!
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (trust me, it makes the kataifi extra crispy and golden)
- 4 ounces kataifi shredded dough, chopped (find it in Middle Eastern markets or the international aisle)
- 1 cup pistachio butter or pistachio cream (the star of the show!)
- 2 tablespoons tahini (optional, but adds a lovely nutty depth)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet, but dark works too)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (helps the chocolate melt smoothly)
- 1½ pounds strawberries, halved (fresh and firm, no mushy ones!)
- Ground pistachios (for that final fancy sprinkle)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No pistachio butter? Almond butter works in a pinch, but the flavor will be milder. Skip the tahini if you’re not into its earthy vibe; your dessert will still be amazing. If kataifi dough is elusive, crushed phyllo sheets can substitute, though they’ll be less crispy. And hey, if you’re out of coconut oil, a dab of butter will do for melting the chocolate, just stir like crazy so it doesn’t seize up. Flexibility is key!
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Strawberries
Okay, let’s get to the fun part, building these dreamy layers! Don’t worry, it’s way easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have dessert magic in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Kataifi Filling
First, grab your skillet and melt that butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped kataifi dough and stir like crazy, you want every strand golden and crispy, about 10 minutes. It should smell like buttery heaven! Take it off the heat and mix in the pistachio butter (and tahini if you’re using it). Let it cool for 10 minutes, this helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to layer later.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
While the kataifi cools, melt your chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one. Watch it like a hawk, burnt chocolate is a tragedy! Stop when it’s just smooth and glossy. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more coconut oil.
Step 3: Assemble the Cups
Now for the art project! Drop 8 strawberry halves into each cup, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of chocolate over them, let it seep into all the nooks. Spoon 3 tablespoons of the kataifi mixture on top, then repeat with more strawberries and kataifi. Finish with a final chocolate drizzle and a sprinkle of ground pistachios. Want firmer layers? Pop them in the fridge for 10 minutes. But honestly, I can never wait that long!
Tips for Perfect Dubai Chocolate Strawberries
Here are my tried-and-true tricks to make these Dubai Chocolate Strawberries absolutely foolproof:
- Room-temp strawberries – Cold ones make the chocolate seize up. Let them sit out for 3 0 minutes first!
- Chop kataifi small – Big clumps won’t crisp evenly. I use kitchen shears for quick work.
- Layer strategically – Alternate strawberry cuts (some facing up, some down) so every bite gets maximum berry.
- Drizzle high – Hold your spoon up when adding chocolate, it’ll cover more area beautifully.
Oh, and lick the chocolate spoon afterward. That’s not a tip, that’s just mandatory happiness.
Serving Suggestions for Dubai Chocolate Strawberries
These beauties shine brightest when served with steaming mint tea; the freshness cuts through the richness perfectly. For parties, line them up on a tray with gold spoons for serious wow factor. I’ve even served them as edible centerpieces at brunch, just watch them disappear!
Pair them with mini cannoli cups or a slice of chocolate craving cake for an unforgettable dessert board.
Storage & Reheating
Listen, these Dubai Chocolate Strawberries are absolutely best fresh; that kataifi loses its gorgeous crunch if it sits too long with the strawberries. If you must store them, keep the components separate (kataifi mixture in an airtight container, chocolate in a jar) and assemble just before serving. No fridge needed, room temp is perfect for enjoying all those textures!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, these Dubai Chocolate Strawberries are definitely a treat! Nutritional values are rough estimates since they’ll change based on your exact ingredients and brands. But hey, with fresh fruit and nuts, there are worse ways to indulge, right?
Dubai Chocolate Strawberries FAQs
Can I use phyllo instead of kataifi?
Absolutely! Crush up phyllo sheets into small pieces, they won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still give you that lovely crunch. Just don’t tell my Dubai friends I said so!
How far ahead can I prep ingredients?
The kataifi mixture and melted chocolate will keep separately for 2 days in the fridge (bring to room temp before using). But assemble those beauties right before serving, nobody wants soggy kataifi!
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yup! Swap the butter for coconut oil when crisping the kataifi. Use dairy-free chocolate chips too, I’ve done this for my vegan pals, and they still go wild for them.
Why won’t my chocolate drizzle smoothly?
Three likely culprits:
1) Your berries were too cold
2) You didn’t add enough coconut oil
3) You peeked in the microwave too soon (overheated chocolate gets clumpy).
No stress, just remelt with extra oil!
Final Thoughts
Okay, now it’s your turn! Whip up these Dubai Chocolate Strawberries and watch everyone’s eyes light up. Tag me when you make them. I LIVE for seeing your gorgeous creations. Trust me, this recipe’s about to become your new party trick!
Looking for more strawberry treats? Don’t miss these strawberry sugar cookies that are as pretty as they are tasty.
Print
Dubai Chocolate Strawberries
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Inspired by a viral Middle Eastern treat, these Dubai Chocolate Strawberries are a luxurious layered dessert made with sweet strawberries, rich pistachio butter, crispy kataifi dough, and melted chocolate. Served in clear cups, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious, perfect for parties, date nights, or a special treat at home.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces kataifi shredded dough, chopped
- 1 cup pistachio butter or pistachio cream
- 2 tablespoons tahini (optional, for a nutty flavor)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1½ pounds strawberries, halved
- Ground pistachios (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the kataifi filling: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped kataifi dough and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in the pistachio butter and tahini (if using), and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Assemble the cups: Add 8 strawberry halves to the bottom of each of 4 clear 12-ounce cups.
- Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of the melted chocolate over the strawberries, letting it fill in the spaces.
- Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the kataifi mixture over the chocolate layer.
- Add a second layer of halved strawberries, followed by more kataifi mixture.
- Finish with a final drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of ground pistachios on top.
- Chill (optional): For a firmer texture, refrigerate the cups for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the kataifi filling and melt the chocolate ahead of time. Assemble the cups just before serving for the freshest texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Microwave
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Dubai Chocolate Strawberries, Middle Eastern dessert, pistachio butter, kataifi dough, chocolate strawberries
